Canon G12 10 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.8 Inch Vari-Angle LCD
Canon unveiled a new compact all-in-one camera for the G-series called the G1X. This bridge model is the first ever compact camera to have a large sensor according to Canon. It is 1.5inch in size, which is about 6-times the size of the sensor found on the Canon G12 — the model that the G1X will most likely be replacing. This sensor, according to Canon, is slightly larger than the micro four-thirds standard that was launched some years back in the market by Olympus and Panasonic. It is only slightly smaller than the APS-C sensor size on Canon’s lower range digital SLRs such as the Rebel Xs.
Compared to the Canon G12 and other G-series models, this is quite an upgrade. Technically, the sensor is the single most expensive individual part of a camera because it is made from a single piece of flawless silicon. The larger the sensor, the more expensive it is. So for a compact camera, this is quite the feature to have. However, buyers will have to pay the price for having these features in a compact. The MSRP on the G1X will be $799. Availability was announced as
The G12 is one of the most popular Canon compacts and it is favored by casual users, amateurs and even Pros for its advanced features like compact size, fast lens, manual focus and a hot shoe for customized flash fittings. It goes for a MSRP of $500 but usually sells for less than $400.
According to Canon Marketing Manager Ben Thomas, the pricing should not be a problem. Because even though this is a compact model, it is not intended for the masses. It is aimed more as a companion camera to the professionals who already own models like the full frame 5D Mark II or the 7D. Its compact size will make it extremely portable and much easier to carry around. And its advanced features will keep the professionals happy and also the prosumers who are looking for something that is as good as an entry-level DSLR without the complications of switching to a DSLR.
In addition to the G1X for the Canon G-Series, the company also unveiled two new products for the PowerShot point-and-shoot range and five new Vixia range camcorders at the CES 2012. These camcorders have an extra feature that is still missing from most still cameras but it is something that all high range smartphones have — the ability to connect to a local wireless connection and upload the video instantly to the cloud. However, that ability does not come cheap. The starting price is $549 and it goes up to $749 for the higher models.
So it looks like Canon is all set to face another year with at least one compelling consumer oriented product. However, it remains to be seen how the market responds to these new products, especially the G1X.
